Sudan and China should forge closer relationship and cooperation in economic and trade sectors, particularly in the field of agriculture, the Sudanese President Omar Hassan Ahmed al-Bashir said Tuesday in Sudanese capital Khartoum.

While meeting with China's deputy foreign minister Lu Guozeng, al-Bashir said Sudan appreciated assistance the Chinese government has provided to his country and he is satisfied with friendly ties between the two countries in various sectors.

Lu, an envoy of the Chinese government, is in Khartoum for the ongoing summit of leaders of the African Union member states. Lu said the Chinese government attached great importance to promoting friendly cooperation with Sudan and is willing to enhance discussions and coordination with Sudan in international and regional affairs.

The two sides also exchanged views on current situations of Africa as well as the China-Africa Cooperation Forum, a mechanism aiming to promote closer relations between China and African countries.

During his staying in Sudan, Lu also visited the North Darfur state at the invitation of the Sudanese government. He said the Chinese government would continue to provide any possible assistance to help improve the life of the people in the area.

Source: Xinhua